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In their rush to start the festivities, many people often forget to protect their two most expensive assets, namely their motor vehicle and their home.

During the festive season, the main priority for most South Africans is to get into their car and start the journey for their holiday destination.

However, in their rush to start the festivities, many people often forget to protect their two most expensive assets, namely their motor vehicle and their home.

This is according to Christelle Fourie, Managing Director of MUA Insurance Acceptances, who says before embarking on any journey it is imperative that all South Africans make sure that all of their insurance policies are up to date - motor, life and disability – and that they have sufficient funds in their bank account to cover the end of month debit orders.

“It is also vital to ensure that they have adequate insurance in place if they are travelling outside of South African borders.”

She says the increase in traffic over the festive period invariably leads to a higher number of road accidents making it vitally important for those who are planning to take a road trip or travel a long distance over the December holidays, to ensure that they are adequately prepared for any potential risks before they set off.

“In addition to more cars being on the roads, people often tend to deviate from their normal road usage patterns at this time of year, which can lead to an increase in accidents. During the Christmas period, there tends to be a rise in the level of drunk driving as well as speeding and generally more erratic driving by motorists, so it is therefore crucial to take extra care and precaution during this period.”

She says it is also advisable to ensure that your motor insurance policy will provide adequate emergency roadside assistance should the need arise.

“A good motor policy should provide services such as jump starts, flat tyres and fuel delivery. If you break down more than a certain distance from your home, it should also provide overnight accommodation or 24-hour car rental.”

Fourie says in addition to making sure that you are able to get to your destination safely it is also vital to ensure that your home is properly covered while you are away. “Home alarm systems are commonplace nowadays but it is important to remember that it is your responsibility to make sure that the alarm is in working order.

“Any home insurance cover may be invalidated if an alarm is not properly set or working, should it be a requirement on the policy. It is therefore a good idea to test your home alarm system before you leave for holiday. If a theft takes place because the alarm was faulty or the back-up battery was flat then the claim may well be repudiated.”

Fourie says to test the alarm you can either activate it on purpose to see the response; ask your alarm company to service the system before you go on holiday; or switch the electricity off to see if the battery is in a working condition.

“An old alarm system with old technology is also very easy for an experienced criminal to bypass, so it is a good idea to update a home alarm system with new technology every 4 to 5 years.”

Fourie adds that if holiday plans involve going away for an extended period of time, some people may ask a friend, relative or domestic worker to housesit for the duration of their holiday.

“If this is the case, you must inform the house sitter of the importance of setting the alarm should they leave the premises at any time. It may also be a good idea to inform your insurer of your plans in advance, in case this affects any terms and conditions on the policy.

“The December holidays are a much-needed rest period for most of us and by taking a few simple precautions now, you can ensure you won’t be facing a fraught time with your insurer upon your return,” concludes Fourie.

Source: http://www.businesslive.co.za